What You Need to Know About Obtaining an Ohio Fishing License
There are many opportunities to fish in Ohio for recreation or for obtaining inexpensive, ethically caught fish to eat. Whether you want to fish on the Ohio River on Lake Erie, or one of the many other public lakes, streams or rivers, you will need an .
You might be wondering where to begin if you want to purchase your Ohio fishing license. Fortunately, DoNotPay makes it simple to obtain your Ohio fishing license from the convenience of your own home, without having to spend hours filling out papers.
Who Needs an Ohio Fishing License?
Anyone aged 16 or older is required to have an to do the following:
- Take fish from Ohio waters
- Take frogs or turtles on public or private property
- Fish in privately owned ponds, lakes or reservoirs that are open to public fishing to agreement/lease with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife
- Members of the U.S. Armed forces on active duty stationed in Ohio who are not on leave or furlough
There are a few exemptions to having a standard Ohio fishing license, which includes:
- Ohio residents on Free Fishing Days
- Ohio residents born on/before December 31, 1937
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty while on leave or furlough
What Are the Different Types of Fishing Licenses?
There are different types of fishing licenses, and tourists, casual fishers, and avid fishers will have different needs. The most typical licenses include:
Youth Licenses
While individuals under the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license, it may be beneficial to buy a Resident Youth Lifetime License for $430.56.
Resident Licenses
Resident licenses are available as a daily license or in various yearly increments. The multiyear licenses allow Ohio residents to lock in rates and avoid transaction fees during the length of their license.
| Resident 1-Day License | $14.00 |
| Resident 1-Year Upgraded from a 1-Day License | $12.00 |
| Resident 1-Year License | $25.00 |
| Resident 3-Year License | $72.11 |
| Resident 5-Year License | $120.18 |
| Resident 10-Year License | $240.36 |
| Resident Lifetime License | $599.04 |
The one-day fishing license may be applied as credit toward the purchase of an annual license.
Resident Senior Licenses
Seniors are eligible for discounted licensing.
| Resident 1-Year License | $10.00 |
| Resident 3-Year License | $27.04 |
| Resident 5-Year License | $45.07 |
| Resident Lifetime License | $84.24 |
Nonresident Licenses
Nonresidents have one additional choice for a short-term license, but cannot obtain a multiyear license.
| Nonresident 1-Day License | $14.00 |
| Nonresident 1-Year License Upgraded from a 1-Day | $37.44 |
| Nonresident 3-Day License | $25.00 |
| Nonresident 1-Year License | $50.96 |
The one-day fishing license may be applied as credit toward the purchase of an annual license.
How to Apply for Your Ohio Fishing License on Your Own
There are a few places to apply for an Ohio fishing license.
When visiting Ohio's DNR website and choosing the option "Buy Your Fishing License," the most apparent and seemingly preferred choice, is to buy your license online.
Online
- Go to the OH Department of Natural Resources "Buy Your Fishing License" page. You will find links to Ohio's fishing regulations and other important information on this page. You can verify that you are applying for the correct license and are complying with the law.
- Click the green button to Purchase Your Fishing License Online. It will take you to the ODNR Division of Wildlife License Sales website.
- Click on "Purchase" License and Permits.
- Continue reading the information presented to make sure you understand. Click on the blue "Continue" button
- Follow the step-by-step instructions for either existing customers or new customers.
- It is important to fill out all information correctly, submit any required documentation, and pay all fees in a timely manner to get your licensing approved in a timely manner.
Standard Application
Some Ohio residents are eligible for a free license but must submit a formal application (Form DNR 9032). These applications can be found in PDF format on the Buy Your Fishing License page or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543). These residents include:
- Persons that are mobility impaired and require assistance from another person to cast/retrieve
- Individuals with a veteran license plate that displays the international wheelchair symbol
- Certain veterans who are permanently disabled
- Former prisoners of war
- Residents of state and county institutions
In-Person
To find a licensing agent, you can go to this website and launch their mapping app. You can try to find a local location to purchase your fishing license.
By App
You can download Ohio's app, HuntFish OH. Create an account and follow all instructions step-by-step to ensure you are applying correctly.
Other Options
Otherwise, you are encouraged to contact the DNR with questions if you need assistance.
- Phone: 1-800-WILDLIFE
- Email: wildinfo@dnr.ohio.gov
What Happens if You Can’t Get Your Ohio Fishing License on Your Own?
Instead of worrying and stressing, let DoNotPay help. If you are struggling to figure out the online platform or don't like filling out online applications, if you are having trouble contacting the DNR, don't want another app on your phone, or you aren't sure if you qualify for an exemption, you may be getting frustrated. If you are trying to get short-term licenses in multiple states for traveling, it can be extremely confusing, and it can be overwhelming if you are in a hurry. We know it can be tedious and time-consuming to understand state regulations and fill out forms. DoNotPay has an alternative solution to make getting your Ohio fishing license easy.
Get Your Ohio Fishing License Quickly With DoNotPay
DoNotPay takes the stress out of getting your fishing license. If you don't want to wade through forms, download more apps, or try to understand multiple state licensing regulations to get ready for your road trip, let DoNotPay help you.
How to get your fishing license using DoNotPay:
If you want to get your fishing license but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 3 easy steps:
- Search "fishing license" on DoNotPay and select the state you would like a fishing license for.
- Indicate whether you are a resident or non-resident, and choose the type of license you want. For example, saltwater vs. freshwater license, three-day only pass, and more.
- Provide your contact information, a copy of your government-issued ID, and pay the fee required by the state.
Why Should You Use DoNotPay to Apply for Your Ohio Fishing License?
DoNotPay makes the whole process of obtaining a fishing license fast, easy and successful. You don't have to do all the research, fill out online forms, or make all the calls. You simply give us a few important pieces of information, and we guide you through the entire process. DoNotPay is that simple!
DoNotPay Can Help With Any Fishing License
Whether you want an annual fishing license in your home state, a short-term saltwater fishing license for your beach vacation, or want to obtain temporary licenses in multiple states as you travel across the country, we make it easy. DoNotPay can help you apply for any type of fishing license in any state quickly and easily.
What Else Can DoNotPay Do?
DoNotPay can help you obtain fishing licenses, but that is just one of the many issues we can help you resolve. If you have other concerns, you'll find that we can help with a variety of problems, including:
- Tourist Visas
- Passport Photos
- Neighbor Complaints
- Government Test Preparation
DoNotPay has the experience and expertise to help you solve problems, so let us help you today!